Cheshire is a location that attracts visitors from all walks of life due to the dynamic countryside and breath taking landscapes.

Under the new Taste Cheshire accreditation scheme, Ciro’s Brasserie at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, the Bear’s Paw and the Pheasant Inn have all been rated “Highest Quality Assured”, which is the highest rating available.

Ciro’s Brasserie, which serves modern European and Mediterranean cuisine, was praised for its stylish and well maintained interior and friendly management. It received a rating of 87%.

The Bear’s Paw, a five-star gastro inn in the village of Warmingham, re-opened last year with 14 boutique rooms following a £2m restoration project. It has gone on to become a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike.

Taste Cheshire gave the restaurant a rating of 84% and was impressed by the use of locally sourced produce.

The Pheasant Inn, which enjoys some of the best views in the county from its spot in the Peckforton Hills, was rated 85%.

Assessors highlighted its stunning position and well presented exterior, in addition to the menu which boasts dishes including local Delamere asparagus, vine tomato and red onion tart with baked goats cheese and raspberry brulee with shortbread.

The three restaurants, owned by the family-run company Nelson (NorthWest) Hotels, were visited anonymously by Taste Cheshire assessors.

Harold Nelson, director of Nelson (North West) Hotels, said:

“These ratings are testament to the hard work of our team.  I am pleased the assessors have recognised the efforts we make in providing outstanding hospitality across all of our venues.”

Each restaurant was judged on the quality of the exterior and interior, cleanliness, service, the quality of the food and the use of locally sourced produce from Cheshire and the North West.

The Taste Cheshire quality assessment scheme is owned by Visit Britain and operated by Quality in Tourism, Visit Britain’s assessing body.

For more information for any of the Nelson hotels please find details below.

Nelson (Northwest) Hotels Ltd.

Located in the heart of Cheshire. Nelson North West is a family run company operating three establishments.

The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa

This privately owned Chester hotel & spa is ideally located just a 5 minute drive south of the city centre, yet a stone’s throw from the border of North Wales.

Call Tel. 01244 570 560

The 4 star Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is set in its own grounds and is the perfect base from which to explore the many exciting attractions and great days out that Chester, Cheshire and North Wales have to offer.

The Pheasant Inn

Tucked in a peaceful corner of rural Cheshire, The Pheasant enjoys some of the most magnificent panoramic views in the area.

Nestling in the Peckforton Hills, this is a rambler’s and hiker’s paradise.

Call Tel. 01829 770 434

A relaxing country retreat to escape from the hustle of city life or for a quiet romantic weekend. Whether you come to drink, dine or unwind for a few days, this atmospheric location will quickly have you under its spell!

The Bear’s Paw

Located in the heart of Cheshire, in the picturesque village of Warmingham, The Bear»s Paw is a delightful 19th century character inn.

Call Tel. 01270 526 317

This charming, yet stylish gastro inn is strategically placed between the major market towns of Sandbach, Middlewich and Crewe, and easily accessible from the M6, making The Bear»s Paw the ideal base from which to explore the many delights which Cheshire has to offer.

When a beer producer turns its attention to providing accommodation one may be excused for raising an eye brow if, that is you can perform such a trick.  Fullers turned the business around many years ago when they started to display signs for the gentleman traveller.  As history has it, during the rise of Fullers brewery and it’s move into the Hotel business was nothing more than a natural progression.  The mere fact they have been delivery top notch hotels services in both their hotels and inns over the last 50 years is testament to Fullers success.

Fuller’s operate six hotels in the Southern part of the UK. Welcomed by exemplary service in a relaxing atmosphere.

Is it surprising that you’ll be tempted with their cask conditioned ales such as Fullers London Pride. The food and wines are meticulously selected to a higher standard than you would expect from what is a traditional brewer and pub business. That said Fuller’s venues never let you down. They combine a time honoured British theme with all mod cons. The hotels are well located with easy access to public transportation.

Fullers Country Pubs & Inns

In addition to the Hotels Fullers they provide traditional accommodation in a number of our country pubs, often in idyllic village locations. Whilst this was a popular activity for Londoners during the last 10 years, escaping to a country pub for the weekend has recently taken a back seat to day tripping. But it has to be said, there really is no better way than to escape for the weekend to a country pub. The problem now is the choice. There are so many last minute deals which includes flying out the country! Whether you decide to stay in the UK for a weekend break (or mid week) – the perfect way to take time out and experience the English countryside couldn’t be done better than by doing it!

Fullers Hotels are situated in London and the Southern Counties. In addition there are 16 country inns that provide accommodation.
If you are planning to visit London, or a picturesque village in the South of England it’s recommended to book in advance and where possible contact the hotel direct as room rates will be variable.

Individual details for Fullers Hotels & Inns with regard to accommodation availability can be found on Pub Rooms.

The fact that we are lured to the likes of premier inns and travel lodges because of the price is just a trait in our human character, known as tightness or as some would say, the economical sense triat.

Premier inns are not so common in the heart of England although their recently announced news to expand further across the UK and Europe means we are to expect more character hotels to be converted, like the Victoria Inn in Cornwall, previously a St Austell Inn with accommodation.

Accommodation in the Cotswold’s does vary so,  if you do prefer the purpose built accommodation blocks you will be disappointed, however across Warwickshire and Oxfordshire there is an abundance of old coaching inns and modernised old pub hotels (now boutique pubs). The George at Lower Brailes for example has so much character and history you could quite easily stay there a week and still want to learn more about the area (Stow on Wolds).

Cotswolds pubs and hotels are so welcoming from the outside and the inside allow the imagination run wild as the beams and walls buckle and bow.

Not all of these come with ghosts so don’t worry, but they do come with genuine history and stories that can send a shiver down the spine.  There is the Hadley Bowling Green Inn with claims that the gun powder plot was hatched there.  All across this part of the UK is streams of histroy, the Edgar trail runs right through Worcester and in in Gloucestershire.

Gloucester has the Cotswolds at its heart and what a place of natural beauty this is.

Cirencester for example is a place you really don’t want to leave.  It’s fascinating to think that driving through France a few years ago the countryside felt so foreign and yet so beautiful and it wasn’t until a few years later that there really is no comparison between the two Countries. Both are equally as beautiful as the other.  Take Chateau Impey in Worcestershire as an example, truly magnificent to view as driving past but perhaps more surprising is the cost to stay here.

Room prices has become so competitive thanks to Travel Lodges and Premier Inns that you can find alternatives such as Chateau Impey for great room rates.

You wont find the places on the online booking sites such as late rooms and booking.com because the prices remain competitive,you need to call direct and speak directly to the hotel.  It’s the same across all accommodation sectors now.

Some of the really beautiful country pubs and hotels to stay in the Cotswolds over the last few years have struggled to compete with modern hotels but now they have been awoken to the competition and more importantly the need to provide better services its a good time to look for places that are in natural beauty as opposed to on the roadside by a petrol station.

Shipton on Stour has been attracting walkers for decades and more recently the discovery that the surrounding churches hold many more secrets than once believed the popularity for visiting the heart of England is on the up.  Finding hotels or country pubs with rooms shouldn’t be difficult as they are dotted all over the countryside practically every village in the Heart of England has a traditional pub hotel.

The various hotels in Cornwall were built hundreds of years ago.   Some country inns were transformed into hotels during the early part of 1800 and have remained hotels.   There are some fantastic old country houses along Helford Passage in Cornwall that make great retreats for the summer.

Great news for people searching for hotels in Cornwall during the summer of 2010.  There are more of them!  Traditional country inns have sprung up from literally no where, why?  Because of demand and an easy buck to be made from bed and breakfast.  Bed and Breakfast in the UK is big business so be warned that whilst you may be fortunate to stay at a family run place with plenty of experience there is a risk that your chosen destination is run by start ups with little to no experience at running a hotel or basic bed and breakfast.  Warning over, now down to the searching for somewhere nice to stay in Cornwall.

One of the most established breweries in Cornwall has also a good choice of managed hotels throughout the County.  St Austell Inns and Hotels will not let you down and is a safe bet for somewhere to stay that offers great food and drink.

There are quaint English Inns such as the Crooked Inn but compared to hotels the Camelot Castle takes the prize for number 1 hotel in Cornwall.

The problem with Camelot Castle is the cost.

Whilst Camelot Castle Hotel is a wonderful charming hotel in Tintagel, Cornwall it really would have to be a special occasion to visit.  It’s not your usual stop over kind of a place to stay.

Sitting proudly in Tintagel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Tintagel Castle  Camelot Castle Hotel offers 64 stunning rooms with magnificent panoramic views over the Cornish coastline.  From Hartland Point in the North, to Trevose Head in the South the rugged coastline is awesome.

This is the legendary birthplace of King Arthur and with the legend comes unsurpassed scenery, natural beauty, peace and tranquility, it is possibly one of the most inspiring locations in the world.

If you think that hotels with such a long history is uncommon think again.

It’s only in the last 30 years or so that new pupose built hotels have been errected, prior to this statements like ‘the hotel’s beautiful original structure dates back 700 years’ are just far too common.

Ok we have covered very old to recently sprung up over night and there are so many freehouse country inns with hotel status.  One such hotel near Gweek on the Helford Estuary is the Tengilly Country Inn, surrounded in outstanding beauty it’s worth driving or walking by just for a look.  This is an area like most places in Cornwall that simply takes the breath away.

Crerar Hotels have nearly a dozen hotels in this part of the UK and because they have chosen to remain in this region it’s no wonder their hotels have become synonymous with living with nature.  the natural surrounds blend into the hotels and not the other way around.  spending a few days at anyone of the groups hotels only makes an excuse to visit another one.

There isn’t enough time in one year to visit all the Crerar hotels so choose which one to stay carefully.  If your planning a business trip or a business meeting venue it is highly recommend that one of the hotels in Scotland is on the short list.  The opportunity to be in a neutral location means the business agenda can be taken care of whilst relaxing after the days business.

Economic growth anticipated for 2010 has inspired businesses to present their portfolio in some of the lesser known establishments.

Not just award ceremonies but business seminars are filling up Hotels usually catering for accommodation.

The Holiday Inn once renowned for it’s prestigious establishments and famed for extravagance took a plunge when introducing the budget range of Hotels.  Now however, Holiday Inns after spending millions on makeovers have emerged from the ashes to shine the touch for hotels offering conference facilities.  Plus their Holiday Inn express places to stay across the UK cater for the frequent traveller.

The Top 5 hotel venues on a budget by location are Oxfordshire, Essex, Somerset, Devon and Surrey.  Would you believe that one of the most popular places for businesses to hold meeting is Cornwall.  Despite the haul down to there the scenery

For super priced conference facilities with cheap rooms see below – some of the offers end before 31st March 2010.

For alternative rooms with conference facilities there is a weekly updated list of offers and cheap rooms on the Pub Rooms website.

Four bespoke themes succeed in marrying the latest technology with chic interior furnishing that includes Egyptian cotton linen, Goose Down bedding and Italian marble bathrooms, with all the furniture crafted from reclaimed Asian teak.

The rooms are alive with natural light and the refreshing feel of furniture from Asia. Each room presents Freesat PlasmaTelevision,  Espresso machines, Mini-Bar and luxurious cosmetics for guests’ enjoyment.

Private hot tubs are to be found in a secluded area of the landscaped grounds together with steam and sauna rooms. Where better to relax after dinner than in your own private hot tub, Where the luxury mirrors that of your room, Set under a thatched gazebo, these Bedouin styled hot tubs allow you to unwind as part of your personal hideaway.

The Fish House is more than about providing you with a bed for the night; it’s about delivering an experience you’ll never forget and one you won’t want to leave.

Full of traditional features the Coleshill Hotel just outside of Birmingham, literally just outside Birmingham will surprise you and dazzle you.

The 4 star Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is set in its own grounds.  A perfect base from which to explore the many exciting attractions and great days out that Chester, Cheshire and North Wales have to offer

Hotel Conference

Whether you are organising a corporate event or a private function we have the knowledge, experience and expertise to make your event a resounding success.
Our varied selection of well appointed conference and banqueting suites allows us to accommodate from as few as 2 guests to as many as 250 guests.

To make an enquiry please contact our events office on 01244 570560 or email

The Perfect Wedding Venue Chester

At the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa we are here to make your Wedding Day dreams come true. Weddings are our speciality, whether it is a small intimate gathering or a large celebration. We will take care of every little detail from the ceremony through to your evening reception. Our dedicated and professional team will ensure that everything runs smoothly so that you can relax and enjoy the magical day.
The superb grounds including the lake, the bridge, the thatched gazebo and the courtyard provide the most beautiful backdrops for your wedding photographs.

A selection of beautifully appointed wedding suites will give you the ideal setting, tailored to your individual requirements.

We are a five minute drive from Chester City centre and in close proximity to Wrexham, North Wales.

To find out further information on this luxurious Cheshire wedding venue please contact us on 01244 570560 or email

So, during the tough times we were tasked with helping both sides understand the real needs of conferencing in the 21st century.  What we found was we are not really that different to how we were 20 years ago!  The City of London may want to loose the grey suits appearance but just by changing from one colour to another isn’t really going to change peoples perception!

What’s the analogy here you may wonder.  We’ll it’s simple.  Flip chart or laser projectors with red dots?  Handouts or emails.  Technology has changed the way we communicate but it’s made communicating expensive.  In truth we can only hear and see so many things and if we want magic as opposed to real business figure the place to be is the theatre!

Attending conferences has become expense yet it’s imperative we meet up and discuss business.

If all we need is a place of convenience why are we being charged an arm and leg.  This was what we heard from business, this is what the Hotel Group wanted to drill down into.

Hotels now have expensive technology inhouse and when it’s not there the event organisers feel they have to buy it in and ‘sell it’.  Time to re-position say the Hotels, back to basics is the mantra.

Good decor, great service and good food. And affordable prices!

For a complete list of UK Conference Hotels providing low cost good value facilities call us to receive a pack.